versprühen
to spray
To distribute a liquid in very fine droplets in the air, for example with a spray can.
EXAMPLE
Der Gärtner versprüht ein Mittel gegen Schädlinge auf den Rosen.
The gardener sprays a pesticide on the roses.
versprühen
to spray / to radiate
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Meanings
versprühen
to radiate
To radiate a certain mood, energy, or quality and pass it on to the surroundings.
EXAMPLE
Die Rednerin versprühte mit ihrer Ansprache puren Optimismus.
The speaker radiated pure optimism with her address.
Usage tips
Inseparable verb
'Versprühen' (to spray / to radiate) is an inseparable verb. The prefix 'ver-' stays firmly attached to the verb 'sprühen' (to spray) in all sentence forms.
EXAMPLE
Sie versprühte etwas Parfüm auf ihr Handgelenk.
She sprayed some perfume on her wrist.
Context clue
You can recognize the meaning from the object: If it is a liquid like 'Wasser' (water) or 'Parfüm' (perfume), the literal meaning is intended. If it is something abstract like 'Charme' (charm) or 'Optimismus' (optimism), the figurative meaning is intended.
EXAMPLE
Er versprüht am Morgen Wasser auf seine Pflanzen.
He sprays water on his plants in the morning.
Typical collocations
In the figurative meaning, 'versprühen' (to radiate) is often combined with positive, abstract nouns. Typical examples are: 'Charme versprühen' (to radiate charm), 'gute Laune versprühen' (to radiate good humor), 'Energie versprühen' (to radiate energy), or 'Lebensfreude versprühen' (to radiate joy of life).
EXAMPLE
Trotz der Schwierigkeiten versprühte sie immer Optimismus.
Despite the difficulties, she always radiated optimism.
Compare with
versprühen vs verbreiten
to spread
Both verbs can describe a mood or energy affecting others. „Verbreiten“ remains neutral and emphasizes passing on or distributing something, while „versprühen“ suggests a spontaneous outward effect, usually a positive one. Use „versprühen“ especially with good humor, energy, or similar positive qualities.
versprühen
Die Sängerin versprüht auf der Bühne viel Energie.
The singer radiates a lot of energy on stage.
verbreiten
Die Musik verbreitet im Saal eine fröhliche Stimmung.
The music created a cheerful mood in the hall.
In real life
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